A 33-year-old man from Sacramento, Tou Sue Vang, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his involvement in a family-operated catalytic converter theft ring, which generated more than $38 million in illicit profits, federal authorities announced this week.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Vang, alongside his brother Andrew Vang and mother Monica Moua, purchased stolen catalytic converters from criminals and transported them across state lines to a buyer in New Jersey.
Catalytic converter theft has surged in recent years due to the high value of the precious metals inside these parts, which are often easier to steal and lack identifying marks. Federal officials noted that in some cases, the metals inside the converters can be more valuable than gold. For example, certain catalytic converters in high demand—such as those from the Toyota Prius—can fetch over $1,000 each on the black market.
The family-run operation was largely based out of their home and storage units. They shipped substantial quantities of stolen converters to a company called DG Auto in New Jersey. Some shipments weighed as much as 1,000 pounds, comprising high-value catalytic converters. The converters were then sold to a metal refinery, generating over $100 million in revenue, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Vang used the proceeds to finance a luxurious lifestyle, including purchasing a $1.23 million multi-home property on five acres in Rio Linda. As part of his sentence, authorities seized assets totaling over $150,000, including cash, 13 vehicles, four personal watercraft, jewelry, real estate, and other items.
In 2023, Vang, his brother, and his mother pled guilty to conspiracy charges related to the theft operation.
“This takedown is a groundbreaking achievement in dismantling a catalytic converter theft ring,” said Sid Patel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “This group’s activities are linked to losses of approximately $38 million, and this case underscores the power of strong collaboration between agencies.”
